Wendy Sariñana came to the House of Hope 20 months ago, an angry, irresponsible, alcohol-dependent homeless mother of a two-month-old boy. She was without a shred of hope and, barring divine intervention, would have none. She had come to the right place.

Originally, Wendy had merely planned to occupy a bed for a couple of weeks and then move on. But something happened during those two weeks that interrupted her plans. Because it's part of the requirements for staying at the House of Hope, she began to attend Bible studies. Like a lot of people, she had never really read the Bible before and God began to open her eyes to her need for Him. By the time that first two weeks was over, Wendy had committed her life to Jesus and decided to continue with the New Life Program.

Since then, Wendy has approached her life from a whole new perspective and applied herself to the programs and ministries made available to her through the House of Hope. In addition to this, she has completed courses in business office skills, computer skills, internet and web design through the Central Orange County Regional Occupational Program (ROP) and was recently recognized from a field of 22,000 students as ROP Student of the Year in the field of Arts and Communication. Wendy has also been officially commended by Governor Gray Davis and other public officials for outstanding commitment to excellence. She now holds a position with Pagemasters Internet Group in the City of Orange.

When asked about her accomplishments since coming to the House of Hope, however, there is no mention of academic or vocational achievement. Wendy says that what means the most to her is knowing God and putting Him first; sobriety, freedom from anger, real parenting skills and a restoration of family relationships she thought might never be healed. She looks forward to moving into her own place in February and pursuing her relationship with God.

These are the intangible, yet profoundly substantial, fruits of the ministry of the House of Hope, made possible only by the faithfulness of God, OCRM staff, and those of you who partner with us in bringing real change to the lives of the homeless.